The International Registration Plan (IRP) is a cooperative agreement among the 48 contiguous U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and the Canadian provinces that allows commercial motor carriers to register vehicles for interstate travel under a single, prorated registration. This system streamlines registration, ensures fair tax distribution, and reduces administrative burdens for fleets operating across multiple jurisdictions. Nebraska has participated in the IRP since 1975. Any motor carrier based in Nebraska and operating across two or more IRP member jurisdictions must register under the IRP, provided their vehicle meets one of the following thresholds:
- Has a gross vehicle weight (GVW) or registered gross weight over 26,000 pounds
- Has three or more axles, regardless of weight
- Is used in combination, and the total weight exceeds 26,000 pounds
- Is used for transporting people or property in interstate commerce
Nebraska IRP Registration Requirements
Before registering your fleet under the Nebraska IRP, you'll need to gather specific documentation. These are necessary to verify your business, fleet details, and mileage reporting.
Documents You’ll Need to Apply:
- Proof of Nebraska residency or established place of business USDOT number and FEIN (Federal Employer Identification Number)
- Proof of vehicle ownership (title or lease agreement)
- Current proof of insurance
- Actual mileage records (for prior July 1-June 30 reporting period) or use of the Average Per-Vehicle Distance Chart (AVDC) if no prior mileage is available
- A Nebraska IRP Application
- Details of all vehicles in the fleet including VIN, unit number, make/model, and gross weight
How to Apply for IRP in Nebraska
The IRP application process in Nebraska begins with collecting the necessary documents mentioned above. Once you have everything prepared, complete the Nebraska IRP Application, which is available through the Motor Carrier Services Division or online. Determine mileage for each jurisdiction where your vehicles traveled using actual miles or the AVDC if this is your first year registering. Submit your completed application and supporting documents to the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles, Motor Carrier Services Division, located at 301 Centennial Mall South, Lincoln, NE 68509.
Applications may be submitted in person, by mail, or online via the DMV IRP portal.
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
| Registration Fee | $33.50 per ton/year | Based on Combined Gross Weight (CGW) of the power unit |
| Power Unit – Initial Plate | $3.00 | One-time fee when added to fleet |
| Power Unit – Annual Renewal | $2.00 | Charged each year thereafter |
| Trailer – Initial Plate | $6.00 | One-time fee when trailer is added to fleet |
| Trailer – Annual Renewal | $2.00 | Charged each year thereafter |
| Cab Card | $1.00 per card | Issued for each power unit |
| Plate Fee | $4.10 per plate | Applies to each plate issued |
| Postage | $3.50 per plate | Charged for mailing each license plate |
| Prorated Billing | Varies | Based on the application or supplement date received |
Understanding Nebraska Trip Permits
A trip permit allows carriers to temporarily operate in Nebraska without IRP registration. This is especially useful for carriers that are not apportioned in Nebraska but occasionally need to operate here. Trip permits are required when operating a qualified vehicle in Nebraska without IRP credentials or when traveling interstate without Nebraska on your apportioned cab card. These permits are valid for 72 hours.
Nebraska maintains open city reciprocity agreements with South Dakota and Iowa, allowing carriers from these states to operate in specific border cities without needing a trip permit, but it’s important to check with Motor Carrier Services for detailed information.
IRP Recordkeeping and Audit Guidelines
All IRP registrants must maintain accurate mileage and operational records to verify distances traveled in each jurisdiction. These records support the mileage figures reported on IRP and IFTA filings. Required documentation includes Individual Vehicle Distance Records (IVDRs), trip reports or logs, GPS data if used, fuel receipts, and odometer readings.
Inadequate or missing records can lead to denial of apportioned registration and penalties, including a 20% additional fee. If audited, carriers receive written findings and can appeal within 30 days, with Nebraska representing multiple jurisdictions during the appeal process.
When and How to Renew Your IRP Registration
Each year in mid-September, Nebraska sends computer-generated IRP renewal packets to registrants. These packets include your prior registration information, such as carrier details, vehicle lists with specifications, mileage reports (either actual or AVDC), and renewal instructions with deadlines.
To renew, review and update all vehicle and mileage data, make any necessary changes to your fleet, and submit the signed renewal application along with supporting documents. Fees must be paid by the deadline to avoid processing delays or service interruptions. Renewal applications can be submitted by mail or in person.
Get Help with Nebraska IRP and Trip Permits
Managing IRP, IFTA, and trip permits can be complex, especially for new carriers and owner-operators. You don’t have to handle it alone. Our service simplifies the process by preparing and submitting your IRP applications or renewals, ensuring your mileage reports meet audit standards, helping you stay compliant with trip permit and fuel tax rules, and saving you time by reducing errors.
Whether you are just starting out or expanding your fleet, we’re here to assist you every step of the way. For assistance, call us at (888) 202-4927 and one of our experts can help you today.